New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-12-25


there behind It's ornamental front, completely hidden
.rou, yev. IT we'll that he had wasted no time,
tor as he drew in his logs tho door burst OPEN and
old Mugelcby and Mr.. Badger tottercd into tho
room Tho old wheeled swiftly about
and turned the key In the lock. Mr.
padrcr gave a faint gasp and fell into the arm
chair while footsteps bounding up the stairs,
and in another moment crowbar was pred under the
door and Il was lifted clear on its hinges Old Mug
scbv seized that stood against the chimney and
raised II upon his shoulders. Tho door fell with u
crash and two masAod men sIrang into tho
suOWiNG now A CASE OF HEART DISEASE MAY
BECOME A CASE or MURDER.
Teddy observed these rapidly succeeding and most
,onfnsing incidents from his secluded perch up the
bookcase uncertain whether he dreamed really
awake. He poked his knucleS into his eyes and
pnchei his legs vigorously, and felt bound the log
teal result of asceraincd sensations to conclude that
he full possession OF his ordinary faculties HIS
late friend. the imp. certainly gone, and Teddy
was not sorry bit he forced to consider his pros
.nt CON pany a poor exchange. lie thrust his head
over the bookcase and looked about. Unhappy Mr..
Badger all drawn up in knot in the scat of the
armchair. trying vainy to keep ont of sight CULVER
ing and Shaking like huge OF agitated Jelly
Old Muggcby, pale, hut defiant stood brandshing HIS
axe. The two ruflans directly under Teddy,
one of them leaning his crowbar in attitude that
struck tho boy familiar, while the other closer to
Old Mngglcby. held revolver pointed straight for the
old mans head
In these attitudes they remained for several mo
mcnts, II the scoundrcls uncertain how to pro
coed. Then tho first ono, who evidently the lead
ng spirit. still keeping his weapon levclled, walked
backw ard to his companion.
"you do the talking" Teddy heard him whisper,
he'll know my voice.
"Oh no the boy murmured TO himself "It's
you. is It Well, tink he will know it, leastways
does, an Of dat imp Wet yeIe a while layin
fer you is up ter snuff he'n back by de lightnin
express"
The second rufflan drew a rope from his pocket Io
went to the chair in which MI Badger lay crouch
ing. The poor terrified little groaaed in p,tifu
agony.
MY dear SIR" ne said, don't shoot Whatever
you do, don't shoot. I've only handful Of change
sbout me, watch and cameo stud but they're all
AL yours. all yours Sir, think OF my wife and Of my
babes, my cherubs At this moment they hang
Ing up their stockings II fall there will be mono
10 I'll them. They will hang empty and bare. Think,
my friend. and stay your hand!"
coop nit yon!' commanded the fellow. Stand oop
NIT your vcet arctty, and catching Mr.. Badger by
the nap, of his neck he Strengthened him out and tied
his hands and feet securely From his elevated hiding
place Teddy watched this proceeding with smile
MAX, my man." he said to himself, q I'm onto you"
"Ilere, you !" said the ruflan, addressing Old Mug
gleby. Yust oben dot safe vot you cot py der vail"
Old Mugsleby stood stock still and straight a
ine
Hey.- grunted the burglar. al gif you yust den
seconts Den preak your headt NIT mine growbar.n
Old Mucgleby grew Whte and his whole body trem-
bed but he neither spoke moved from his place.
The other VIII ain exceedingly and plainly
anxious 10 have the thing He moved toward
the old man. whose strength fast departing Teddy
broom leaning against the side of the book
and he prepared for . strategic move He reached
down, and quickly grsspcd the bro handle. Old
Muggcby lifted HIS high as II TO strike his assan
ant but its weight too much for him and It fell
to the floor. He tottcrcd and for moment II seemed
as II he should follow. but he recovered himself
"Open the safe, you old wretch !" cried the superior
scoundreL
Old Muggleby brave. Give him credit at least
for that. He folded his and said al sha'n'ti
I'll die Hrstrs
The rascal lowered his pistol and springing forward
he planted fearful blow with his clcnched fist the
old mans heal Az that moment Teddy leaned over
the bookcase, broom in hand, and knocked the mask
Of the fellows face.
Old Muggeby gave sharp cry. any sonr ne
said
And that was all he said seemed likely to say IN
this mortal world For his pallid face grew blood
red and he sank to the floor
Teddy's act Of interference quickly done and
Old Muggieby's prostration followed Immediately
upon H. that the boy had not been seen at all IIe
dropped the broom and then lay perfectly s. Young
Muggeby was in condition of CONSERVATION and dis
may He looked for moment at his father stretched
out upon the foor and then the broom and then at
his accomplish.
"Who did that he said, in frightened whisper
"Idt wash qveer house, replied the Jew, und idt
wash Crisdmus Efe alretty. tondt like ter do some
ihobs like dis mid der Grisdmus Efe."
"Come, como, we've had enough Of that. See II
the old mans dead'
Max bent down and felt Of Old Mugglebys pulse
and heart
"IIe wash teader as a drcdt herring he answered
@sure1"
"Cerdan"
Young Mugeleby's spirits were rapidly revivtng
sThcn let's lay him ont on the sofa" he said.
They picked up tho body and stretched IT on tho
lounge but as they started back Old Mugglebys head
fell over in such a way that his stony, staring eyes
were fixed his "Ugh!" he cried, 81 don't like
tbati' and he settled II the other way
Then he turned to the hspless, shivering old man.
who fctered and fororn, still lay hndded up in the
armchair.
"why bless my soul he said, otis Badger As
live u's my good friend. Badger. Max you con
founded scamp, why didn't you tell me It was Bad
gcrf How dared you treat friend OF ninc with such
indignty7 Cut the rope instantly. Why Badger
ny dear old fellow, how dye dot"
"Good evening Peter Mr.. Badger answered, faint
IT, whom he at length stood upon his limp feet, u
hope YOU don't mean any harm"
Harm Radgerf How could you ask such thingf
Why ! wouldn't harm kitten. Nobody knows bot
ter than You how tender hearted am-eh, Badgorf'
Mr.. Badger coughed
"This Is solemn moment, BADGER continued
Young Muggcby.
"very, Peter very"
"A heavy aHlction has fallen upon me, Badger'
The lawyer shook his head dolctlly.
"You him fall, Badger You saw my dear
father breathe his Last HIM, didn't you Badgerf'
and Young Nuggeby glanced keenly out Of his yellow
eyes and toyed with his revolver.
The cold perspratOn poured from Mr.. Badgers
face and his body shook like leaf
dyes Peter" he said at must have boon heart
disease